Devil’s Music

In a music studio in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Though a three-story structure, the building exuded charm with its brick exterior. At the entrance stood a sophisticated black stone sign, engraved with "Studio Experience."

The recording studio on the second floor was split between recording space and the producer's workspace. The interior, adorned with bright wooden walls, exuded luxury. Inside the producer's workspace, various amplifiers and two PCs were set up. Two men in their late thirties, an engineer and what appeared to be a producer, conversed by the PCs.

Yongtae, an OST specialist producer, spoke with a slightly irritated tone.

"Ugh, what's that guy's name? Daring to mix punk with a rookie theme?"

Eunpyo, an eight-year veteran engineer, chuckled in response.

"His name... oh, it's right here. His name's Giant Reel."

Yongtae snatched the paper Eunpyo was looking at, crumpling and tossing it into the trash.

"If this kid gets famous, I'll eat my hat. A rookie with no experience spewing punk? Those folks wandering around Hongdae don't know the difference between freedom and abandon.

"The drama starts in just two weeks, and here I am, what do they want me to do? Seriously, it's irritating. That kid, Reel, isn't that a fishing reel? Damn, what a Giant Reel of a brat."

Eunpyo tapped Yongtae's back as if advising him to endure.

"What can we do, hyung? Looks like there's no hope for him in the future. Instead, he mentioned that Intae hyung will bring in a new singer today. Depending on how they perform, we'll record, if possible."

Yongtae fished out a cigarette from his pocket, asking casually.

"Hey, Gobalri, Gobalri. He's bringing someone here to sing in our rehearsal room. This is for TVN drama, you know TVN, right? It's cable, but it's a network that produces tremendous dramas. If we record with Gobalri and the quality isn't good, the PD will surely nag me. What happens to my career then, damn it."

Eunpyo grinned and replied.

"Well, hyung, he's not spouting nonsense. Even though it might depend on what we see from this person, generally, you should record."

Yongtae lit his cigarette, continuing.

"If it weren't for Intae, I wouldn't even bother listening. We've been friends since middle school, you know? His father owned a record shop. Maybe that's why I know more about musical common sense than anyone else. My ears are decent, too. That's why I made time."

Eunpyo nodded, nudging the ashtray towards Yongtae.

"That's right, hyung. I don't have high hopes either, but still, he'll bring someone who's at least decent for recording."

Just then, Yongtae's phone rang.

Ring, ring.

He picked up the call, cigarette in hand.

"Ah, Intae? You're here? Oh, on the first floor. Wait, I'll come down."

Yongtae extinguished his cigarette and went downstairs.

There was a card-key lock on the first-floor door that only opened for authorized personnel. Yongtae had to go down himself to unlock it. As he opened the door, he saw Intae and Geon.

Yongtae warmly shook hands with Intae.

"Long time no see. Wasn't our last time at that Gangnam eel restaurant when we had soju? It's been, what, a month or two?"

Intae smiled as he looked at Yongtae.

"Yeah, buddy, how've you been?"

"Don't even ask. Thanks to the rookie planning to throw punk in our OST, Eunpyo and I are in a fix. But hey, who's this? He's pretty tall. What's his name?"

Geon slightly bowed and then politely greeted them.

"Hello, I'm Kim Geon."

As Yongtae reached out for a handshake with Geon, he was taken aback when he saw Geon's face. Though they shook hands, Yongtae couldn't take his eyes off Geon, mouth agape in astonishment.

Seeing Yongtae's reaction, Intae chuckled and said, "Kid, I had the same reaction at first. This guy's ridiculously good-looking. Hey, come on, pull yourself together. How long are you going to stare? Let's go inside!"

Shaking off his astonishment, Yongtae followed Intae's lead and took Geon upstairs. Once inside the workspace, Eunpyo recognized Intae and greeted him warmly. Noticing Geon, Eunpyo couldn't help but be speechless too.

"Is... Is that the person we're recording today? Not for an OST, but he seems more like someone who should be in a drama?"

Yongtae, still amazed by Geon's appearance, commented.

"That's true. I've seen plenty of idols and actors, but someone this handsome is a first for me. It's not just good looks or a boyish charm, it's more like... a vampire prince vibe, you know? There's something about his aura."

Eunpyo nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, absolutely. He's somewhat decadent yet has a kind look in his eyes... There's a complex allure about him."

Feeling embarrassed amidst their discussion about his appearance, Geon sat down quietly on the couch after accepting the documents handed to him by Yongtae.

"Sorry, sorry. Here are the scores for today's recording. There's also a synopsis of the drama behind it. You need to understand the drama to infuse emotions, so read the synopsis carefully. Sit back there, take your time, we don't have much, and if you have any questions, ask right away."

Geon politely received the documents with both hands and sat on the couch.

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